Scotland based charity, Asthma and Allergy Foundation, is urging every one of the 368,000 people with asthma in Scotland, to get vaccinated against the flu this winter. Encouraging those who are yet to get the flu vaccine to do so, professor Steve Turner, independent clinical adviser for the charity, said: “Making sure that people of all ages with asthma get their flu vaccine is more important than ever this winter. Flu is a nasty infection which can be prevented by the vaccine. The NHS in Scotland is making sure that it is perfectly safe for people with asthma to get the flu vaccination. Please, please, please make sure that you and your loved ones with asthma get the flu vaccine this year.”
Dami Jaiyesimi, health promotion manager, added: “Viral infections like the flu can worsen asthma symptoms and people with asthma have a higher chance of developing serious complications from the flu such as pneumonia. If you are debating whether you need to get a flu vaccine this year, the answer is an emphatic yes.
With CV19 and the flu circulating at the same time this year, it is more important than ever to protect yourselves from the flu. The vaccine reduces your likelihood of contracting the flu and can reduce the severity of your symptoms if you do. It will also help reduce the risk of spreading flu to others around you who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness.”
The flu vaccine is currently being offered for free across Scotland to high risk groups including those with a long-term respiratory conditions, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If you are eligible for the vaccine, you will be invited for your flu vaccination. To find out when and how you will be invited for your flu vaccination, visit https://www.nhsinform.scot/flu-vaccine/the-vaccines/the-flu-vaccine/.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation, Scotland’s only dedicated asthma charity provides evidence-based health information, confidential advice, and support to people living with asthma and their families. For advice on managing asthma or more information about Asthma and Allergy Foundation, visit www.asthmaandallergy.org.uk, call 01224 973001 or email info@asthmaandallergy.org.uk.